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IPMS is the International Plastic Modellers Society, which was founded in Great Britain in 1963, by modellers, for the benefit of modellers. Originally founded as the British Plastic Modellers Society, it soon expanded into a truly international body with many Branches across the world.

Although UK members may be scattered far and wide, many try and meet regularly in the local Branches of the Society. These meetings are informal occasions where members meet to learn more about the hobby and allied topics from each other, and show their latest creations. To get the best from the hobby, you need help initially to acquire basic modelling skills and, as a result, people from all walks of life join to help each other.

A Branch meeting gives everyone a superb opportunity to learn or contribute as much as they wish. IPMS has no class, age, sex, colour or creed barriers to overcome, nor does it lay down any minimum modelling standards. All you need to qualify for membership is an interest in plastic modelling as a hobby. Many new members worry about the high standards some IPMS modellers reach. Don't be put off by this, as with a little perseverance and help from other members, you can quickly improve the quality of the models you build also.

IPMS(UK) produces a free magazine for members on a wide variety of subject matter connected with modelling. There are also unbiased kit, book and accessory reviews which help members keep up-to-date on what is on the market and how good those products are. It takes a "hands on" approach, with articles on building, detailing and converting kits, together with hints and tips, to help improve your modelling techniques.

IPMS(UK) also has Special Interest Groups (SIG's), a Decal Bank and a Technical Advisory Service for the benefit of the membership.

The highlight of the IPMS(UK) year is Scale Modelworld, the world-class event formerly know as the IPMS(UK) National Championships and Model Show, held at the International Exhibition Centre in Telford, Shropshire, England. Held around October/November and open to both members and the general public, this two-day event is now the largest plastic modelling show in the world. Featuring the National Championships Competition, a huge and varied model show from IPMS Branches and SIG's, etc., plus the majority of the modelling trade, the "Nationals" is a firm fixture in the diary of many modellers, both in the UK and overseas too !

There are now many countries around the world who have their own National IPMS branches, eg. IPMS-USA and IPMS(Switzerland) to name but a mere two. However, modellers may also join IPMS branches in other countries too, even if their own country has an active national IPMS, so it is truly international !


IPMS(UK) Logo

Full details of all of IPMS(UK)'s facilities
may be found on the
Official IPMS(UK) Web Site

http://www.ipms-uk.co.uk



IPMS(UK) is by modellers, for modellers !